DJ Read ‘so sorry’ for Ukip Calypso

Former Radio 1 DJ Mike Read today apologised for “unintentionally causing offence” with his Ukip Calypso, sung with a mock Caribbean accent, adding that he has asked his record company to withdraw the song from sale.

The song, which praises the anti-EU party and its leader Nigel Farage, included the lyrics: “With the EU we must be on our mettle, want to change our lawnmowers and our kettles.”

Read told the Press Association: “I’m so sorry that the song unintentionally caused offence. That was never my intention and I apologise unreservedly if anyone has taken offence.

“I’ve asked the record company to withdraw the single immediately.”

The song, which includes the line “when we take charge and the new prime minister is Farage”, also criticised the Prime Minister.

Read, a former Conservative supporter, used the song to warn his listeners against trusting David Cameron, singing: “The British people have been let down, that’s why Ukip is making ground. From Crewe to Cleethorpes, from Hull to Hendon, they don’t believe Cameron’s referendum.”

Read, who hosts an afternoon show on BBC Berkshire, spent more than a decade at Radio 1.

He hit the headlines in 1984 when he refused to play the Frankie Goes To Hollywood single Relax because he objected to its lyrics.

Read has also turned his hand to musicals, but his show about the life of writer Oscar Wilde closed after one night after dreadful reviews and poor ticket sales.